Is McNeal close to a decision?

David Sandhop

03/17/2008

Speedy athlete Kenric McNeal is one of the fastest players in the state of Texas and it shows based on the offers that have poured in from schools around the country. But who is at the top of his list? Where do the Aggies stand? Aggie Websider's David Sandhop visits with the wide receiver recruit.

One of the top speed athletes in the state of Texas resides in Spring, Texas. Kenric McNeal, a 6-foot-1, 170-pound quarterback at Spring High School is seeing plenty of interest from college coaches around the country with offers from schools such as Missouri, University of Houston, Arizona, Ole' Miss, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M.

While McNeal threw for 1434 yards and nine touchdowns to go with his 411 yards rushing and five touchdowns, he's being recruited exclusively as a wide receiver at the next level.

"I'm being recruited as a wide receiver. Coaches like my speed, acceleration, and leaping ability" McNeal said. "They say I have the ability to gain separation and get open, and make things happen in the open field."

Speed appears to be a major asset and something attracting the attention of high D-1 programs. He was clocked in the 40 just last week at 4.31, and has registered several sub-4.4 times in the past year. McNeal started out his career as a receiver, but due to injuries to teammates he was forced to line up under center, and that's where he's been ever since.

"I was playing receiver, but I was also the backup quarterback," McNeal said. "Then they needed me and I've played there the past season. I think I can come in and play wide receiver at the next level."

McNeal has made one junior day visit so far, and that was to Texas A&M back in February. The Aggies made a big impression on the No. 55 prospect on the M&W/Aggie Websider Texas Top 100.

"They treated us like kings," McNeal said. "I loved the coaching staff and I fit in well there. Coach Sherman is a good coach and he's focused on winning a national championship."

Asked what he would rate his visit on a scale of 1-10, McNeal did his best impression of Nigel from the movie Spinal Tap.
"It was an 11," McNeal said.

McNeal plans to visit Aggieland once again for the spring game on April 19 along with his father. What is McNeal looking to see on his second trip to Texas A&M in a couple of months, and is a commitment possible at that time?

"I want to see what kind of offense they are running and see if I feel comfortable with what they are doing," McNeal said. "If I feel good with it and my dad likes A&M, there's a good chance I could commit but I'll see how it goes."

McNeal is quick to say that he's still listening to other schools and hopes to squeeze in a junior day visit to Misouri.

"I was excited when Missouri offered recently," McNeal said. "I'd like to go to their junior day, but I don't know about my schedule and when I can get up there, but I'd like to check them out."